2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL steering wheel

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
SeeElectronic Message Centerin theInstrumentationchapter for
personalized adjustment.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs.
If you exceed the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate and
the system warning CHECK RIDE CONTROL may appear on the message
center.
Driving
129

Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
RatingMini
FusesStandard
FusesMaxi
FusesCartridge
Maxi
FusesFuse Link
Cartridge
2A Grey Grey Ð Ð Ð
3A Violet Violet Ð Ð Ð
4A Pink Pink Ð Ð Ð
5A Tan Tan Ð Ð Ð
7.5A Brown Brown Ð Ð Ð
10A Red Red Ð Ð Ð
15A Blue Blue Ð Ð Ð
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural Ð Ð Ð
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A Ð Ð Orange Green Green
50A Ð Ð Red Red Red
60A Ð Ð Blue Ð Yellow
70A Ð Ð Tan Ð Brown
80A Ð Ð Natural Ð Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
Roadside emergencies
144

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
8 40A** Rear Window Defrost Control
9 60A** I/P Fuse Panel
10 60A** Lighting Control Module
11 60A** Compressor Relay
12 60A** Anti-Lock Brake Control Module
13 40A** Blower Motor
14 60A** High Speed Cooling Fan
1 30A* PCM
2 20A* ALT SENSE
3 30A* Right Rear Passenger Window
4 30A* Air Suspension
5 Ð Not Used
6 20A* Horns
7 15A* High Beam
8 30A* Right Front Passenger Window
1 Ð A/C Diode
2 Ð PCM Diode
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
Auxiliary relay box
The auxiliary relay box is located in the engine compartment. The
auxiliary relay box contains the high and low speed cooling fan relays.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Roadside emergencies
152

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Maintenance and care
174

²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Maintenance and care
207

SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............88,89,90
Servicing your vehicle ..............162
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................209,211
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................210,211
Speed control ..............................49
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .........120,122
jump starting ..........................156
Steering
speed sensitive .......................129
Steering wheel
controls ......................................48
tilting .........................................53
Tachometer .................................13
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tires ........152,181,182,183,184,185
changing ...........................152,153
checking the pressure ............185
replacing ..................................186
rotating ....................................185
snow tires and chains ............186
tire grades ...............................184
treadwear ................................184
Towing .......................................185
recreational towing .................140
wrecker ....................................161
Traction control ........................127off light ......................................11
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............130
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
lubricant specifications ..........211
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................174
lubricant specifications ..........210
Trunk ...........................................91
remote release .....................77,82
Turn signal .............................10,48
Vehicle dimensions ...................211
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................213
Vehicle loading ..........................135
Ventilating your vehicle ...........124
Warning chimes ......................11,12
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................169
Water, Driving through .............135
Windows
power .........................................75
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....169
checking and cleaning ............181
operation ...................................47
replacing wiper blades ...........181
Wrecker towing .........................161
Index
230